Businesses in Ohio can learn from the train derailment tragedy that occurred and must understand the ramifications. The train derailment and toxic spill in Ohio was a poster child for everything that can go wrong: unsafe conditions, corporate greed, environmental damage, and population displacement, to name a few. Many organizations, including the railroad unions, pointed out the failings that led to the disaster. In the aftermath, a thorough investigation and free flow of information were essential to rebuilding public trust. Businesses in Ohio should take heed and use this case study to inform their own crisis response plans.
Research Regulations for Businesses in Ohio
In the case of the East Palestine train derailment, investigations found that personnel acted in accordance with regulations. However, the event ignited a new discussion around deregulation and the harm it can cause.
Businesses should always stay updated on industry regulations, especially environmental protections, which can change with each administration. Going even further and following best practices can minimize the risk of a crisis in the first place.
Prioritize Transparency and Communication
When outlets ask what businesses can learn from the train derailment, transparency is one of the first things to come to mind. Devastating headlines caught people’s attention, and the public demanded answers about how this derailment happened.
Unfortunately, the hazardous nature of the spill site made it difficult to provide those answers immediately. However, the National Transportation Safety Board offered frequent updates about the spill site’s status and planned next steps. The board explained every decision, such as burning off chemicals, to keep the public informed and prevent rumors from spreading.
If businesses in Ohio find themselves in a similar situation, their approach to communication can go a long way toward repairing their reputations. Above all, enterprises must remain humble and acknowledge missteps. The public is loath to forgive entities that show no accountability, so businesses must toe the line between responsibility and liability.
Have a Crisis Management Plan
Companies should act when they realize a crisis is in motion. To facilitate a quick response, organizations should create a crisis management plan. While corporate responses will vary by scenario, a management plan provides a clear path forward:
- How to communicate with employees, government agencies, and press
- Who leads the charge in coordinating the response?
- How to run the business while managing the crisis
- How to mitigate damage to property, personnel, and reputation
Find Insurance for Businesses in Ohio
Insurance provides the necessary resources to respond quickly in a crisis. Pollution liability coverage is beneficial in the case of hazardous chemical spills or other events affecting the environment. While not legally required in most cases, it can save enterprises from paying hefty settlements for property damage or bodily harm. Since toxic waste can impact an ecosystem for generations, these costs can get extremely high.
This type of insurance also covers cleanup. Improper cleanup can lead to litigation further down the line, so it’s essential to do things by the book:
- Provide personnel protective equipment
- Hire specialists in a hazardous cleanup
- Ensure proper disposal of all waste
Most general business insurance doesn’t cover pollution, so companies must seek additional coverage. Fortunately, there are many options for businesses in Ohio, particularly those in the construction, excavation, and agriculture industries.
About Haughn & Associates
Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.
